could suffice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could suffice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something may be adequate or sufficient for a particular purpose or need. Example: "In this situation, a simple explanation could suffice to clarify the misunderstanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

What possible consolation could suffice?

The Guardian - Sport

Newt Gingrich suggests smaller existing rockets could suffice.

The New York Times - Science

Stoll thought that no amount of preparation could suffice.

The New Yorker

But a home run to send tens of thousands of people into hysterics could suffice to erase all that.

The New York Times - Sports

Prosecutors appeared more reluctant to embrace the possibility of a pledge, saying they thought an oral directive could suffice.

The New York Times

In Mumbai, many people insist on eating Alphonsos and might even be offended by the suggestion that any alternative could suffice.

The New York Times

Anything that might well have discouraged a reasonable person from coming forward, like a schedule that makes it tough to care for one's children, could suffice.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

A simple baby carriage could not suffice when there was a $4,250 Burberry pram with matching $375 diaper bag.

The New York Times

A simple jean jacket could not suffice when there was a $2,785 jean jacket with rabbit collar and cuffs.

The New York Times

Simple black stockings could not suffice when there was a $500 pair with cultured fresh-water pearls hand-beaded on the lace border.

The New York Times

A simple hanger could not suffice when there was a $65 mink hanger "too beautiful to tuck away in a closet".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could suffice" to suggest a potential solution or action that is adequate but not necessarily optimal. It implies a degree of uncertainty or tentativeness. For example: "A brief explanation could suffice to clarify the misunderstanding."

Common error

Avoid using "could suffice" when you need to express absolute certainty. If something will definitely be enough, choose stronger phrasing such as "will be sufficient" or "is guaranteed to work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could suffice" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a possibility or suggestion that something might be adequate or sufficient for a particular purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could suffice" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to suggest that something might be adequate or sufficient for a particular need. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is common in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic sources, indicating its widespread acceptance. While alternatives exist to express similar meanings, "could suffice" offers a nuanced way to convey possibility and adequacy without overstating certainty. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with your intended level of assurance and avoids overstating the certainty of something being adequate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be adequate

Replaces "suffice" with "adequate", emphasizing a satisfactory level.

may be sufficient

Substitutes "could" with "may" and "suffice" with "sufficient", indicating possibility and enoughness.

might be enough

Uses simpler terms to convey the idea of adequacy.

may prove adequate

Adds a sense of anticipation or prediction regarding the adequacy.

might do the trick

An idiomatic alternative suggesting something will achieve the desired result.

may be all that's needed

Emphasizes that nothing more is required.

could be just the thing

Suggests that something is particularly suitable or effective.

might be up to par

Indicates that something meets the required standard.

may cut it

An informal expression meaning something is just good enough.

might fill the bill

Suggests something satisfies a particular requirement or need.

FAQs

How can I use "could suffice" in a sentence?

The phrase "could suffice" suggests that something might be adequate or sufficient for a specific purpose. For example, "In this instance, a simple apology "could suffice" to resolve the conflict."

What are some alternatives to "could suffice"?

You can use alternatives like "might be adequate", "may be sufficient", or "might be enough" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "could suffice" or "would suffice"?

"Could suffice" suggests a possibility, while "would suffice" implies a conditional or hypothetical situation. Choose the phrasing that best reflects the intended meaning and context.

What is the difference between "could suffice" and "is enough"?

"Could suffice" implies a minimal level of adequacy, suggesting something might be sufficient. "Is enough" is more direct and affirmative, indicating something meets the requirement without reservation.